Degree Completer Program

1. What was your motivation for returning to RIT to complete your degree?

I have always had the intention of going back to finish my degrees, but I allowed circumstances outside my control to dominate my decision-making process.  First it was finances, then it was time, then it was just plain fear.

My realization that education continues beyond college really shifted into higher gears back when I was rehired by IBM in 2018.  I pushed myself to be much more in touch with the modern technologies that is currently being deployed, earning dozens of certificates from a variety of sources in a number of fields, mostly technical.

Overcoming my fear, including wondering if RIT will be scolding me for not doing this sooner, were a challenge, but I finally reached out to NTID Admission, which then referred me to SOIS, and the rest is history.

2. How was your college experience different the second time around? How were you treated? What did you gain?

In this Pandemic age, I was not fortunate enough to be able to interact with peers on campus, but the staff have been beyond wonderful in their online interactions.  It does help that I have been dealing with the real world for so many years, I had an innate understanding of the process needed, and the requirement to follow up on everything to be sure it is aligned with my goals.  This was a vast difference compared to my first go-around, fresh out of high school, and naively thinking that things would be smooth-sailing the entire way.

It is not a dig at RIT, or the education system in general, it is just life – things do not work perfectly in all aspects, and our needs are so diverse to the point that resolving it require some fitness.  Being proactive allow for this experience to be smooth-sailing.

3. How have you benefited from completing your degree?

Pride.  I am in a wonderful position in my life where this degree is not necessary to prove myself as a successful person, but having such pride is important to me, especially with two adult children who I am encouraging to find their own future.

4. What advice would you give someone else who is thinking to return after a long absence? 

Just ask.  A lot of unknowns become known once the questions you have been burning in your head on and off all those years.  Even if it have been 23 years, there are options available to finish your degree.

5. Who or what inspires you?

I am not the sort of person who get inspired by others, but I do want to put forward a good example to my kids and godkids – that being active in working on your future goals will bear fruits.

6. How did you become “reacquainted” with RIT?/How did you first hear about SOIS/Roar to the Finish?

I vaguely read an article several years ago regarding the SOIS program, but did not act on it.  It was the NTID Admission office that referred me to this program.

7. Give a shout-out to someone at RIT that has helped you in your journey either when you were first here or when you returned.

Sydney Wyse.  She, along with Michelle Firnstein have been an excellent repository for my questions to be answered.  They deserve all of the recognitions that comes their way.

8. Anything else you’d like to share about your journey or your RIT experience.

Just do it.  Ask the questions, and go from there.  Even if the options are not viable for you right now, it might change soon enough.
 

1. What was your motivation for returning to RIT to complete your degree?

I was not able to get employment in a different state/state (IL/Chicago) without a degree especially if I was trying to transition my skills from a satisfying and long 30-year career from a different field.

2. How was your college experience different the second time around? How were you treated? What did you gain?

I originally went to school in the 80’s before technology ruled, the internet and laptops and the dependents on cell phones did not exist.  Half of my classes were virtual and solely dependent on all of these.  I was surprised with how much I excelled in distant learning using these tools and preempting the necessity of the current day pandemic. I found distant learning more satisfying then in class which was a shock to me. 

3. How have you benefited from completing your degree? 

I have a great position as an executive I would not have gotten with a degree even with three decades in the same field in the same state my past career credentials (without a degree) speak for themselves in, and I know for the next two or three positions I no longer have to hesitate to apply or edit my search for “experience only”.

4. What advice would you give someone else who is thinking to return after a long absence? 

Just dive in, plow through it. It is likely going to be more satisfying in the long run then in the short term and it is WORK – likely a full or part time job on top of all your other responsibilities, and it is expensive. Be prepared for all of that and ask your family, friends, co-workers, and employer to support you anyway they can. My mom, aunt, and partner (at the time) were supportive in their own ways. 

5. Who or what inspires you?

Caregivers/guardians (women often, but not exclusively) who are juggling all this while attempting schooling and managing work, home, partner, kids and/or elder parents, etc. -WOW! I couldn’t do it – I could only focus on “the books” – and did. 

6. How did you become “reacquainted” with RIT? How did you first hear about SOIS/Roar to the Finish?

Faculty who have kept in touch over the years have wanted me to finish and sent me introductions to the SOIS Team and program. I was always going to finish as a Tiger if at all. I was involved and engaged in The 80’s at RIT. 

7.  Give a shout-out to someone at RIT that has helped you in your journey either when you were first here or when you returned.  

Dr. Carol Whitlock, Dr. Jim Myers and Barbra Cerio-Iocco and Sydney Wyse -Thank you All!

8. Anything else you’d like to share about your journey or your RIT experience.    

This was not fun, it was a lot of time, energy, and dedication (especially at 52-54 years of age)! I am glad I did it and am proud of the/my accomplishment.  I was not surprised that even with RIT’s change from quarters to semesters that a few classes not in sequence could have derailed the entire plan to finish in 12-14 months. Stay vigilant on staff, faculty and guidance that want you to succeed but not more than you and they are your advocates, but you are responsible for keeping them and yourself on track. ASK QUESTIONS and SEEK ASSISTANCE! PUSH BACK politely knowing you all have the same goal - your diploma/degree!  I am so glad the campus is lovely now!
 

1. What was your motivation for returning to RIT to complete your degree?

I knew that even after several years away, nobody could ever take away the work I had already completed. I was only 10 classes away from graduating and it felt as if the credits I had already earned were just floating in limbo if I didn’t finish what I started. I knew that I wanted to graduate from RIT and not transfer somewhere else, so the SOIS program felt like the perfect solution.

2. How was your college experience different the second time around? How were you treated? What did you gain?

Going from being a full time, in person student the first time around, to being a part time distance learner the second time around was a very different experience. It took some getting used to but after a while I adjusted well to the online learning environment. I felt supported by so many people while reentering the RIT community. Everyone from my advisor, the program coordinators, to the professors wanted to see me succeed and enjoy myself while doing it.

3. How have you benefited from completing your degree?

Completing my degree in SOIS really gave me the opportunity to tailor my courses to my current interests and future goals. What I wanted when I started college at 17 years old is not the same as what I wanted when I restarted my degree at 24. I was able to take classes that directly relate to and benefit me in the field that I am working in now and really furthered my knowledge and comfort in my day to day work environment.

4. What advice would you give someone else who is thinking to return after a long absence?

I’m not going to lie to you; it’s tough to jump back in. But take your time, be patient with yourself and remember why you are working towards this goal. The pride and accomplishment you feel and the opportunities that become available once you have that degree, makes it all worth it in the end. Every person takes a different path in life, and this one is a true gift I never knew I needed.

5. Who or what inspires you?

My wife Nora (RIT ’15) inspires me every day. She is living her dream, working in her field at a high level and never accepts anything less than her best from herself. She works to raise up the people around her.

6. How did you become “reacquainted” with RIT?/How did you first hear about SOIS/Roar to the Finish?

SOIS/Roar to the Finish really fell into my lap accidentally. My wife Nora (RIT ’15) is still very involved with the program that she graduated from at RIT and that often leads her to interacting with the RIT Alumni Association and people working in Alumni Relations. It was through her casually talking to someone there about my situation of having not been able to finish my degree the first time around that brought this opportunity to our attention.

7. Give a shout-out to someone at RIT that has helped you in your journey either when you were first here or when you returned.

I want to shout out the incredibly Kathy Hall (of Kathy Hall Conference Room fame), Dr. Heath Boice-Pardee, Dr. Karey Pine and Dr. Dawn Soufleris for their unending support and love throughout my entire time as an RIT Tiger. Their dedication to their students is unmeasurable and it made a significant difference in my life. They recognize that every person takes their own path and that support gave me the courage to take on the challenge and return to RIT to finish my degree as a non-traditional student.

8. Anything else you’d like to share about your journey or your RIT experience.

Not that I can think of right now. Thank you for asking and spotlighting the program. I am thankful to be part of it.